Pneumatic spring system

Abstract

The invention relates to a pneumatic spring system comprising at least one pneumatic spring which consists of at least the following: a pneumatic spring cap as an upper component; a pneumatic spring piston as a lower component; pneumatic cushioning bellows made of elastomer connecting the two opposite components with the help of fastening elements. The bellows can roll off, when an interior space having elasticity of volume forms at the outer wall of the piston, inside their roll-off zone. The pneumatic spring system also consists of at least one control valve configured in particular as a magnet valve; a compressor having integrated residual pressure maintaining function; and a pilot controlled check valve connected to the pneumatic spring, which is preferably situated in the pneumatic spring cap or piston, and as such is accommodated in a housing, although different mounting variations exist. The invention also relates to a particularly advantageous design for the pilot controlled check valve, using a flexible tube of resistant plastic lodged in a valve boring, and an elastomeric valve plate. The valve plate is pushed aside by the tube, thus unblocking the valve boring (operating state).

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A pneumatic spring system comprising at least one pneumatic spring ( 4 ,  4 ′,  4 ″,  4 ′″) at least consisting of 
       a pneumatic spring cap ( 5 ,  12 ) as an upper component;  
       a pneumatic spring piston ( 8 ,  13 ,  14 ) as a lower component, as well as  
       a pneumatic spring bellows ( 7 ) made of elastomeric material, said bellows connecting the two oppositely disposed components with each other, using fastening elements ( 10 ,  10 ′), whereby the bellows ( 7 ) is capable of rolling off within its roll-off zone ( 8 ′,  13 ′,  14 ′) on the outer wall of the piston ( 8 ,  13 ,  14 ), forming an interior space ( 9 ) of the pneumatic spring with a flexible volume;  
       at least one control valve ( 2 ) configured in particular as a solenoid valve; as well as  
       a compressor ( 3 ) with integrated residual pressure-maintaining function; characterized in that  
       the pneumatic spring ( 4 ,  4 ′,  4 ″,  4 ′″) is provided with a releasable check valve ( 1 ,  1 ′,  1 ″,  1 ′″,  1 ″″), whereby the check valve comprises the following components:  
       a valve housing ( 6 ,  15 ,  16 ) made of metal or plastic, said housing being provided with a valve bore ( 19 ) for receiving a hose ( 23 ) with a hose connection fitting ( 25 );  
       a connecting plate ( 17 ) seated in a bore of the housing and provided with a valve bore ( 20 ) for receiving a hose ( 23 ), as well as with a valve seat ( 21 ) for a valve plate ( 18 ) made of elastomeric material and arranged toward the interior of the pneumatic spring, whereby the valve plate is pushed to the side by the hose ( 23 ) and thereby releases the two valve bores ( 19 ,  20 ), said bores changing into each other, forming a through-extending bore; as well as  
       two sealing rings ( 22 ,  22 ′) located between the connecting plate ( 17 ) and the valve housing ( 6 ,  15 ,  16 ), on the one side, and between the connecting plate ( 17 ) and the house ( 23 ) on the other.  
     
     
       2. The pneumatic spring system according to claim  1 , characterized in that the check valve ( 1 ,  1 ′,  1 ″″) is located in the cap ( 5 ) of the pneumatic spring. 
     
     
       3. The pneumatic spring system according to claim  1 , characterized in that the check valve ( 1 ″,  1 ′″,  1 ″″) is located in the piston ( 13 ,  14 ) of the pneumatic spring. 
     
     
       4. The pneumatic spring system according to claims  2 , characterized in that the pneumatic spring cap ( 5 ) has an enlarged side region ( 5 ′) provided with an opening in which the valve housing ( 6 ,  16 ) is seated, whereby the housing is preferably welded to the pneumatic spring cap (welding site  11 ). 
     
     
       5. The pneumatic spring system according to claims  3 , characterized in that the pneumatic spring piston ( 13 ) is provided within its lower side region ( 13 ″) with an opening in which the valve housing ( 6 ,  16 ) is seated preferably screwed into said opening. 
     
     
       6. The pneumatic spring system according to claims  3 , characterized in that the valve housing ( 15 ) forms a one-piece composite with the pneumatic spring piston ( 14 ) specifically within the lower side region ( 14 ″) of the piston. 
     
     
       7. The pneumatic spring system according to claim  1 , characterized in that the valve housing ( 6 ,  15 ,  16 ) consists of metal, and the connecting plate ( 17 ) of plastic. 
     
     
       8. The pneumatic spring system according to claim  1 , characterized in that the hose ( 23 ) consists of resistant plastic, preferably polyamide. 
     
     
       9. The pneumatic spring system according to claim  1 , characterized in that the hose ( 23 ) is provided with a stop means ( 24 ) for limiting the path. 
     
     
       10. The pneumatic spring system according to claim  9 , characterized in that the stop means ( 24 ) forms a one-piece composite with the hose. 
     
     
       11. The pneumatic spring system according to claim  9 , characterized in that the stop means ( 24 ) is shaped in the form of a bead. 
     
     
       12. The pneumatic spring system according to claim  1 , characterized in that the hose connection fitting ( 25 ) rests against the stop means ( 24 ).